Megan Nguyen
B.S., cum laude, Computer Science, 2020
Education: Everett Community College, Associate in Arts and Science – DTA, 2018
Service:
Computer Science Intern at SDI Engineering Inc., 2019
Research Assistant at Seattle University-Computer Science Department, 2019
Student Grader at Seattle University-Computer Science Department, 2019
Collegia Advisor (CA) at Seattle University-Commuter Link, 2018 – 2019
Member, 2018 Cohort of Youth Super STEM Advocates, Washington STEM, 2018
Math Tutor, Everett Community College’s Tutoring Center and TRiO Student Support Services, 2017
Member, FIRST Tech Challenge, Team 6485 & 7342, 2013–2017
Member, FIRST Robotics Competition, Team 4512, 2013–2017
Awards/Honors:
Member, Tau Sigma Honor Society
Raytheon FIRST Robotics Scholarship
Alfie Scholar, Seattle University, 2018
Messina Scholarship, Seattle University, 2018
Graduated with High Distinction, Everett Community College, 2018
Everett Rotary Club Saunders Foundation Scholarship, 2017
Goal:
Through the university’s curriculum, I hope to obtain my Bachelor of Science degree, in addition to becoming a leader of civility in my profession and set the example for civility in the workplace. My wish is also to give back to the community and inspire young students regardless of their race or background.
Civility:
To me, civility is to give before expecting to receive. In order to experience peace and kindness, we must first be willing to perceive and treat others and the environment like ourselves. Civility takes root when we are able to see the humanity in other people, despite our differences, and show respect, kindness, mindfulness, and understanding.
Autobiography:
I was very fortunate that my parents brought me to this country. I can imagine how different my life would be in Vietnam, versus America. Therefore, I tried to make them proud and their effort worth it. I was also very lucky that my family supported my dream profession of Software Engineer.
Like any family that brought their children to this country, my parents only want the best for us. They wished for us to adapt to the American culture while preserving traditional Vietnamese culture. Sometimes those values conflict. Unlike American independent culture, in Vietnamese culture, your parents’ words mean everything no matter how old you are. Especially if you are not married, no one will take your opinion seriously, and you are also expected to stay at home. While living with my mom, a lot of expenses are free. However, I continue to question myself if this is something that I want to do with my life?
When I decided to walk out of my protective shell, it was a shock to my family. In their eyes, I was still a baby. I was also the youngest one to ever leave the house for someplace other than the school dorms. I thought that I lost my family the day I left, and I was ready to accept it because I believed I was being honest to myself.
I was able to prove that I am capable of taking care of myself a few months after that event.
Advice:
Looking back at my journey, I would advise my younger self that was still struggling to have courage to stand up and step out of her comfort zone, to be positive and confidence, knowing that everything will be better, so that she can be happy and live to her fullest potential.
What it means to be an Alfie:
Being an Alfie means more than the financial support that I originally went after. Being an Alfie means I have a family and a community that are willing to support each other, despite our differences, because we all share the values of civility within ourselves.
